Dharamsala Outfield Player Safety: Dharamsala’s outfield conditions have raised concerns about player safety in international cricket. Patchy and mossy turf has led to fears of injuries, prompting calls for venue improvements.
Chandigarh, 09 October(City Times): Dharamsala Outfield Player Safety :Cricket fans and players worldwide are concerned about the safety of Dharamsala’s outfield, especially after a close call with injury during the recent Afghanistan-Bangladesh match. The patchy and mossy condition of the field has raised alarms about the suitability of this venue for international cricket.
The Recent Incident
During the game between Afghanistan and Bangladesh, spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman narrowly avoided a serious knee injury, and fielder Azmat Omarzai tumbled while attempting to field the ball. These incidents have once again cast a spotlight on the troubled state of Dharamsala’s outfield.(Dharamsala Outfield Player Safety)
| Stadium Name | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 2003 |
| Total Area | 16 acres |
| Seating Capacity | 23,000 |
| Boundary Length | 70 yards on all sides |
| Midwicket to Midwicket Length | 140 yards |
| Sightscreen to Sightscreen Length | 120 yards |
| Facilities | – Health Club with Technogym, Spa, jacuzzi, steam bath, and sauna bath, Climate-controlled indoor stadium, Exclusive Corporate boxes, The Pavilion Dharamshala’ luxury hotel |
| Innovative Feature | Use of rye grass on the outfield to combat cold weather effects on grass |
Dharamsala Outfield Player Safety: Players Hesitate to Dive
The outfield’s patchiness and moss have made players hesitant to dive for the ball, fearing injuries. This hesitation can greatly affect the quality of cricket and player performance. (Dharamsala Outfield Player Safety)
5 Safety Issues with Dharamsala Outfield Conditions
- Uneven Playing Surface: The Dharamsala outfield’s irregular terrain poses a significant risk, making it tough for players to predict ball movements.
- Patchy Grass Cover: Sparse grass on the outfield endangers player safety, as it can lead to more injuries during diving and sliding.
- Dust Eruptions: Dust clouds, caused by ball impacts, hinder visibility and breathing, affecting fielders’ performance and health.
- Slippery Fielding: The outfield’s lack of grip forces players to limit their movements, impacting fielding agility and potential injuries.
- Potential Knee Injuries: Uneven terrain raises concerns about knee injuries, as players must navigate unpredictable surfaces while fielding or diving.
Dharamsala Outfield Player Safety: Concerns Raised by Afghanistan Coach
Afghanistan’s head coach, Jonathan Trott, expressed his concerns during a post-match press conference. He emphasized that players’ uncertainty about diving due to the field’s condition is a significant issue.(Dharamsala Outfield Player Safety)
HPCA Stadium 2023 Cricket World Cup Schedule
| Match | Date | Time (IST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Sat, 7th Oct | 10:30 AM | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| England vs Bangladesh | Tue, 10th Oct | 10:30 AM | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| South Africa vs Netherlands | Tue, 17th Oct | 2:00 PM | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| India vs New Zealand | Sun, 22nd Oct | 2:00 PM | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Australia vs New Zealand | Sat, 28th Oct | 10:30 AM | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
Previous Issues with Dharamsala’s Outfield
This isn’t the first time Dharamsala’s outfield has come under scrutiny. Earlier this year, the venue was supposed to host the third Test between India and Australia. However, last-minute concerns about the outfield’s condition forced the match to be moved to Indore. The BCCI cited “harsh weather conditions in the region” as the reason for the patchy field.
HPCA Cricket Stadium Stats
| Format | Matches Played | Won by India | Won by Others | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| T20I | 9 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
ICC Inspection and Precautions
Before the 2023 World Cup, an ICC inspection team expressed concerns about fungal infestations on the ground. BCCI’s secretary, Jay Shah, also visited the venue to address any outfield-related issues before the tournament. (Dharamsala Outfield Player Safety)
HPCA Stadium ODI Records
| ODIs Played | Most Runs Scored (current players) | Highest Score | Most Wickets Taken (current players) | Best Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 212 runs (Virat Kohli) | 127 runs (Virat Kohli) | 4 wickets (Hardik Pandya) | 4/13 (Suranga Lakmal) |
Upcoming Matches In Dharamsala
Despite these concerns, Dharamsala is scheduled to host significant games, including the clash between India and New Zealand. The BCCI and HPCA (Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association) are expected to address the concerns and take steps to ensure a safer outfield for future matches.
HPCA Cricket Stadium Pitch Report & Conditions
| Matches Won Batting First | Matches Won Batting Second | Average First Innings Score | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 172 | 330/6 (India) | 112 (India) |
Dharamsala outfield concern must be addressed
Player safety is paramount in cricket, and concerns about Dharamsala’s outfield must be addressed promptly. Cricket authorities will need to work together to ensure that this picturesque venue can continue to host top-level international matches without compromising player well-being.
Now Know About Dharmsala Stadium
Did you know that the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala, which was founded in 2003, covers an impressive 16 acres of land? This stadium, with a seating capacity of 23,000, has boundaries measuring 70 yards on all sides. For cricket enthusiasts, it’s interesting to note that the distance from midwicket to midwicket here spans 140 yards, while the sightscreen to sightscreen length is 120 yards.
Moreover, the stadium offers top-notch facilities, including a fully equipped Health Club featuring a Technogym, Spa, jacuzzi, steam bath, and sauna bath. It also boasts a climate-controlled indoor stadium and exclusive corporate boxes for seating.
For the ultimate cricket experience, there’s even a luxurious hotel on-site called ‘The Pavilion Dharamshala,’ capable of accommodating multiple teams and their support staff. Additionally, this pioneering stadium was the first in India to employ rye grass to protect its outfield from the harsh cold, ensuring the grass remains green and vibrant.
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